Resident detained by ICE released after applying for DACA status

Mario Figueroa Martinez talks with Melissa Marovich, who was principal of Ivy High when Martinez graduated from that school. Marovich attended the July 22 celebration at Jackie Heyneman Park for Martinez's release from detention. Julie Reeder photo

A 22-year-old Fallbrook resident who was picked up by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was released Friday, July 21 after his attorney filed paperwork for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) status.

What would have been a protest in Fallbrook to demand for his release was turned into a celebration July 26 after Mario Otoniel Figueroa Martinez was released.

Mario Otoniel Figueroa Martinez was brought to the United States at the age of 4 from Guatemala. According to a statement released by Martinez’s attorney, Leah Chavarria, Martinez knows nothing of Guatemala as h...